Perhaps 14 years ago, late-to-the-game technology pundits became excited about a particular model of growth: user-created content. With today's vast content farms, such as facebook or twitter, everyone is intimately familiar with, and contributes freely to, businesses using this model. It was presented as a counterpoint to the production and consolidation of professional content. Both models are intended to fulfill monopolistic dreams. But earlier-to-the-game technologists pointed out that even the earliest web successes depended upon user-generated content.
All this misses something much more fundamental: the computer industry has always made money from user-generated content. The reality couldn't possibly be different. Before I explain why, I need to provide an example.
You could start anywhere. In the late 1970's, normal people happily produced handwritten and typewritten letters and memos. Suddenly, five years later, they were all using their personal computers to send blurry-inked dot-matrix printouts to each other.
All of this required user-generated content. The benefits of the technology were massively and illogically overstated, with seductive advertising evoking riches and robots.
In a sense, people were being sold to themselves. "Imagine what you could do with this" says the suggestive advertiser. "Yes, I can imagine that!" says the imaginative consumer, who then buys the expensive computer, so they can 'make things'. They also bought expensive professional entertainment products, so they could 'relax'. This is exactly the same situation consumers find themselves in today: applications for generating your content, and others for kicking-back and letting the professionals distract you.
These are just innate qualities of people. We want to watch, and we want to build. People who want power and influence will always take advantage of innate qualities ... in a sense, this actually defines their profession.
Consumer-producers aren't totally unaware of this manipulation. But they are natural optimists. They assume that some potential utility underpins these techno-cultural shifts 'towards a better future'. They assume that 'early-adopters' need to be watched carefully, in the hope of catching a ride to heights of leisure and leverage.
People are also natural builders, which leads us to a deeper reason behind the pervasiveness of user-generated content in computing:
Every tool intends to aid the generation of user content.
But there is a deeper reason still:
Tools are within us.
I mean that quite literally.
Without a human brain to notice that another human brain has produced a tool, and without more human brains writing and speaking about the ideas behind the tool, the chunk of stuff that 'is' the tool, is just a human by-product.
It is a chunk of stuff that human brains might find exciting, stimulating, beautiful, useful, useless, ugly, complex, simple ... but like the chunk of stuff, all those words have meaning only to the human brain (with some understanding that we evolved from animals that may have related ideas, also within their brains, that is, they make sense in their umwelt, or worldview).
So, if a tool is something that only our brain understands, then the very idea of using a tool is 'user-generated' content. Some other human may have said something to you to spark the idea, to help you to construct the idea, but it's your idea, or you wouldn't have it. It is, of course, essentially the same idea, now in more than one brain. The word screwdriver produces the same recognizable structure in the brain no matter which language is spoken, a recent result from studies at Carnegie-Mellon, long-anticipated by some: Aristotle pointed out, in the opening paragraphs of On Interpretation, that this must be true, or we wouldn't be able to translate anything.
So, novel or not, any tool is inside the brain. We reconstructed the idea of the tool. What we do with it next is totally the product of our brains.
The same is true with the idea of computation itself. The computer is a tool that is in our brain. There is no 'physics of computation' ... computation is not some basic 'natural force' ... computation is a human mental construct. And every piece of a computer, every line of code, only has meaning to the human brain. Of course it's doing something in the outside world, and the consequences can be beyond the scope of human understanding. But we cannot begin to understand a computer program, or a computer system, without first taking this stuff we've created and giving it our intellectual effort, an intellectual effort we do not understand, but which we make use of. Our brains are tools, which we use sometimes consciously, but mostly unconsciously, in a foggy groping towards an internally-defined 'understanding' or 'awareness' of what we do, and an even foggier understanding of what is going on outside of our brains.
Our world is user-generated. Not the world, of course. Just our world. The intrinsic one. The one in our heads. The one we experience. Mostly it is the same as other people's, because we are the same species. That's why we can all construct the idea of 'screwdriver' or 'computer' in our brains. We are not conscious of how we do it, in the same way that we are not conscious about our digestive system, or our ability to walk. But the world is still constructed by us, or else how could we experience it the way we do? We know how flies have difficulty seeing some things, things we can see, and that our pets can hear things that we cannot. They are constructing different worlds because they have a different biological endowment.
Much of what the human brain generates, whether 'ideas', which we might 'communicate', or which may 'produce something', is new in some aspects ... but much is the same, in other aspects. The stuff that's the same is similar because, like the fly, we homo sapiens have our limits, our habits, and our strengths. 'History repeats' because we're all human. Bonobo chimps also repeat themselves, with some differences, including some repetitions and differences that we can never know, because we cannot become Bonobos.
That's why so many 'revolutions' in human culture seem similar. The human brain is still the place where culture itself resides, so the differences between the old and the new are going to be, well, less than 'revolutionary'. We can easily exaggerate or cartoonify anything and call it a 'revolution', or 'progress', or a 'paradigm shift', et cetera. That's what people do naturally, and it's a hard habit to break, because we're all chimps and we get very excited when we suddenly see something in our minds that seems new or helpful.
But those things are in our brains. When we generate content inspired by those things in our brains, it's genuinely gratuitous to tell someone "well, we've seen that before". Who cares? Everything is somewhat new and somewhat something that anyone can do.
Time for the best example.
Think of language: very few of my sentences, above, were ever spoken or written before. That's something that all of us do, everyday. Complete novelty. The smaller ideas expressed are a little less new, but still pretty new because they were combined in new ways, using new examples, et cetera. The larger ideas and themes, are frankly far less new ... in fact even I have been harping on about them for decades ... but maybe you've never heard them before!
But, whether you have heard them, or not -- if we agree on some of them, and remember them, we can begin to form a culture, a better future, around these agreements. If these become working assumptions for, say, a new approach to computing, based on natural science and an awareness that 'this is all in our heads', we might actually make some 'progress' towards extracting computing from the pervasive misunderstandings and exaggerations, which distract us from doing good with these tools. Our work will still be user-generated, but we'll be mindful of the brain's place in what we produce, and that should help us to grow a more thoughtful computing community.
Maybe I'm just looking for more quiet, rationality, and feeling, in the very noisy world of computing.
Monday, February 29, 2016
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Great site for these post and i am seeing the most of contents have useful for my Carrier.Thanks to such a useful information.Any information are commands like to share him.
ReplyDeleteccna training institute in chennai
Being new to the blogging world I feel like there is still so much to learn. Your tips helped to clarify a few things for me as well as giving..
ReplyDeleteDigital Marketing Company in Chennnai
Your very own commitment to getting the message throughout came to be rather powerful and have consistently enabled employees just like me to arrive at their desired goals.
ReplyDeleteOnline DevOps Certification Course - Gangboard
Best Devops Training institute in Chennai
Thank you for taking the time to provide us with your valuable information. We strive to provide our candidates with excellent care and we take your comments to heart.As always, we appreciate your confidence and trust in us
ReplyDeleteData Science training in Chennai | Data Science Training Institute in Chennai
Data science training in Bangalore | Data Science Training institute in Bangalore
Data science training in pune | Data Science training institute in Pune
Data science online training | online Data Science certification Training-Gangboard
Data Science Interview questions and answers
Data Science Tutorial
Greetings. I know this is somewhat off-topic, but I was wondering if you knew where I could get a captcha plugin for my comment form? I’m using the same blog platform like yours, and I’m having difficulty finding one? Thanks a lot.
ReplyDeleteBest AWS Training in Chennai | Amazon Web Services Training Institute in Chennai Velachery, Tambaram, OMR
Advanced AWS Training in Bangalore |Best AWS Training Institute in Bangalore BTMLA ,Marathahalli
Some us know all relating to the compelling medium you present powerful steps on this blog and therefore strongly encourage
ReplyDeletecontribution from other ones on this subject while our own child is truly discovering a great deal.
Have fun with the remaining portion of the year.
Selenium training in bangalore
Some us know all relating to the compelling medium you present powerful steps on this blog and therefore strongly encourage
ReplyDeletecontribution from other ones on this subject while our own child is truly discovering a great deal.
Have fun with the remaining portion of the year.
Selenium training in bangalore
ReplyDeleteYou need to kill time, you need entertainment. Refer to our website. hope you get the most comfort.
Thanks you for sharing!
Deer Hunting Tips Camping Trips Guide DEER HUNTING TIPS travel touring tips
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this Post, Keep Updating such topics.
Still Hunting Method
Hunting psych tips Survival Tips Travel Touring Tips
Your articles really impressed for me,because of all information so nice.oracle applications training in bangalore
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting such an useful and nice info..
ReplyDeletedata analytics tutorial
I have express a few of the articles on your website now, and I really like your style of blogging. I added it to my favorite’s blog site list and will be checking back soon…
ReplyDeletebusiness analytics course
data analytics courses
data science interview questions
data science course in mumbai
AWS training in hyderabad
ReplyDeletehttps://360digitmg.com/amazon-web-services-aws-training-in-hyderabad
AWS training will give the students obtain expertise in the theories of AMI Creation, EBS Persistent Storage, Amazon Storage Services S3, Route 53, AWS EC2 and AWS S3 Instances & further high-level concepts.
This Was An Amazing ! I Haven't Seen This Type of Blog Ever ! Thankyou For Sharing, data science training
ReplyDeleteThis Was An Amazing ! I Haven't Seen This Type of Blog Ever ! Thankyou For Sharing, data science course
ReplyDeleteThis Was An Amazing ! I Haven't Seen This Type of Blog Ever ! Thankyou For Sharing, data science traning
ReplyDeleteEffective blog with a lot of information. I just Shared you the link below for Courses .They really provide good level of training and Placement,I just Had Cloud Computing Classes in this institute , Just Check This Link You can get it more information about the Cloud Computing course.
ReplyDeleteJava training in chennai | Java training in annanagar | Java training in omr | Java training in porur | Java training in tambaram | Java training in velachery
Really the Blog is awesome.
ReplyDeleteData Science Training Course In Chennai | Data Science Training Course In Anna Nagar | Data Science Training Course In OMR | Data Science Training Course In Porur | Data Science Training Course In Tambaram | Data Science Training Course In Velachery
Hey guy's i have got something to share from my research work
ReplyDeleteCoderefinery
Tukui
Lakedrops
wonderful article. Very interesting to read this article.I would like to thank you for the efforts you had made for writing this awesome article. This article resolved my all queries.
ReplyDeletedata science interview questions
Very interesting blog Thank you for sharing such a nice and interesting blog and really very helpful article.
ReplyDeleteData Science Training In Chennai | Certification | Data Science Courses in Chennai | Data Science Training In Bangalore | Certification | Data Science Courses in Bangalore | Data Science Training In Hyderabad | Certification | Data Science Courses in hyderabad | Data Science Training In Coimbatore | Certification | Data Science Courses in Coimbatore | Data Science Training | Certification | Data Science Online Training Course
If I had to give a great example of top quality content, this article would be it. It's a well-written commentary that holds your interest.
ReplyDeleteSAP training in Kolkata
SAP training Kolkata
Best SAP training in Kolkata
SAP course in Kolkata
Really nice and interesting post. I was looking for this kind of information and enjoyed reading this one. Keep posting. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletepmp certification course training in guduvanchery
Really nice and interesting post. I was looking for this kind of information and enjoyed reading this one. Keep posting.
ReplyDeleteAWS training in Chennai
AWS Online Training in Chennai
AWS training in Bangalore
AWS training in Hyderabad
AWS training in Coimbatore
AWS training<br
very well explained. I would like to thank you for the efforts you had made for writing this awesome article. This article inspired me to read more. keep it up.
ReplyDeleteCorrelation vs Covariance
Simple Linear Regression
data science interview questions
KNN Algorithm
Logistic Regression explained
This blog is really helpful to deliver updated educational affairs over internet which is really appraisable. I found one successful example of this truth through this blog. I am going to use such information now
ReplyDeleteData Science Training in Chennai
Data Science Training in Velachery
Data Science Training in Tambaram
Data Science Training in Porur
Data Science Training in Omr
Data Science Training in Annanagar
compute the seogroupbuykit.com with inspired works.
ReplyDeleteNice Write-up!! Group Buy SEO Tools
ReplyDeleteSeo Group buy tools is where u can get seo tools for cheaper.
ReplyDeleteNice to read your article. This has really made good thing.
ReplyDeleteOracle Applications training in bangalore
Great!I will really appreciate the writer's choice for choosing this excellent article appropriate to my matter.Group Buy SEO Tools
ReplyDeletestretcher transportation wheelchair transportation senior transportation Palm Beach County West Palm Beach Boca Raton Delray Beach
ReplyDeletegood well enjoyed with the incredible informative content which surely activates the learners to gain the enough knowledge.Wholesale suppliers
ReplyDeleteWhile a few young people sweat and really focus for answers to inquiries at the continuous West African Senior School Certificate Examination, others have culminated the craft of getting grades through our sites which get questions 24hrs before the beginning of tests . Anyway Examlinkup.com is the 001 test help work area for the most part Nigeria understudies,legit 2021 jamb cbt expo answers
ReplyDeleteAivivu - đại lý chuyên vé máy bay trong nước và quốc tế
ReplyDeletevé máy bay đi Mỹ tháng nào rẻ nhất
vé máy bay từ hàn quốc sang việt nam
vé máy bay đi sài gòn
chuyến bay hà nội
giá vé máy bay hà nội đi nha trang
StockTrim is inventory planning and demand forecasting software available as a subscription. It helps SME's gain optimised inventory levels and preserves up to 40% of their working capital.Stock Control
ReplyDeleteStockTrims cloud-based programming Kiwi Hose and Hydraulics know precisely what they require and can have the correct part prepared - at last saving their clients a great deal of time, apprehension and cash.Inventory Management
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with everything in this post. Thanks for useful sharing information.
ReplyDeletePython Training in Hyderabad
Python Course in Hyderabad
Really enjoyed while reading your article, the information you have delivered in this post was damn good. Keep sharing your post with efficient news.
ReplyDeleteData Science Training in Hyderabad
Data Science Course in Hyderabad
Nice blog you got here. Id like to read something more about this theme. Thank you for giving this information
ReplyDeleteDevOps Training in Hyderabad
DevOps Course in Hyderabad
Nice blog and informative.
ReplyDeleteData Science Institutes in Hyderabad
AI Training in Hyderabad
You are looking for the most reliable, cheap and reliable seo tools supplier in 2021. You can join the best group buy seo tools here
ReplyDeleteGreat post. Thanks for sharing such a useful blog.
ReplyDeletePHP Training in Velachery
PHP Training in Velachery
perde modelleri
ReplyDeleteMobil onay
Mobil Odeme Bozdurma
nftnasilalinir.com
ANKARA EVDEN EVE NAKLİYAT
TRAFİK SİGORTASİ
DEDEKTOR
web sitesi kurma
ASK ROMANLARİ
smm panel
ReplyDeletesmm panel
İŞ İLANLARI BLOG
instagram takipçi satın al
Hırdavatçı Burada
beyazesyateknikservisi.com.tr
SERVİS
Tiktok jeton hilesi indir
You there, that is totally wonderful declare here. gratitude for taking the term to call such snappish data. outstanding substance material generally gets the site guests coming. Cracked Whatsapp
ReplyDeleteI needed to gratitude for this outstanding legitimate to apply!! I truly adored all little piece of it. I have you bookmarked your site to try out the presented effects you articulate.. Grammarly Premium Mod APK For Pc
ReplyDeletethis is a particularly charming helpful asset which you are offering and you find the money for it away for reasonable. I truly like seeing website that arrangement the charge of providing an energies valuable asset for excuse. Good Morning Wishes For Him
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThanks for providing such useful information on the Top CA Coaching Institute in Hyderabad, author
ReplyDeleteTop CA Coaching Institute in Hyderabad
We appreciate you taking the time to give us this useful information. We take great care to treat our prospects well, and we value your feedback.As usual, we value your belief in and faith in us.
ReplyDeleteCMA institute Hyderabad
This insightful article reminds us that user-generated content and the human brain's role in shaping tools and ideas are intrinsic to the computer industry's evolution. It emphasizes the power of our brains in constructing the world we experience and encourages a more thoughtful computing community. Well-articulated and thought-provoking writeup indeed.
ReplyDeleteData Analytics Courses in Nashik
This post provides a profound perspective on the essence of user-generated content and its deep-rooted connection to the human brain. It reminds us that every tool and idea, including computation itself, is a product of our minds. A thoughtful reflection on the nature of creativity and culture in the digital age.
ReplyDeleteData Analytics Courses in Nashik
Thank you for sharing this, please keep posting on similar subjects.
ReplyDeleteCEC Best Colleges In Hyderabad
I was impressed with your site's organization and the clarity with which you explained the idea to us. I appreciate you supplying this information.
ReplyDeleteSAP GRC Securities Training in Hyderabad
The author brilliantly delves into the concept of user-generated content and its deep roots in the history of technology. Their thought-provoking exploration of how our brains are the ultimate tools for generating and understanding content is both insightful and enlightening.
ReplyDeleteData Analytics Courses In Dubai
Really helpful post! It encourages readers to contemplate the philosophical aspects of computing and how it shapes our thinking in the digital age. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteData Analytics Courses In Chennai
Thank you so much for this detailed blog on Computing as a Mental Construct.
ReplyDeleteI really loved it.
Visit - Data Analytics Courses in Delhi
Your blog dives deep into the fascinating concept of computing as a mental construct, which is a thought-provoking perspective on how we interact with technology.
ReplyDeleteDigital marketing courses in illinois
The article on Computing as Mental Construct is really very informative and incredible thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletedata analyst courses in limerick
The way you explain concept of computing is appreciable. Tech students need more stuff like this to educate themselves in competitive world.
ReplyDeleteInvestment banking courses in the world
Thank you for sharing great and fantastic post on COMPUTING PHILOSOPHY.
ReplyDeleteInvestment banking training Programs
I want to say thanks for this post. I found your blog post to be both informative and inspiring.
ReplyDeleteData analytics framework
Thanks for the information its so use ful for all
ReplyDeletekeep provide like this content
https://www.avinatech.com/
thank you so much for the information this information is crucial for the beginners
ReplyDeleteData science courses in Ghana
This post offers a profound and thought-provoking perspective on the nature of computing and user-generated content. The author eloquently explores how our engagement with technology, from early personal computers to today's vast content platforms, is rooted in our innate creativity and mental constructs. The analysis of how tools and computation are extensions of our brains, and how they influence our perceptions and culture, is both insightful and enlightening. The emphasis on understanding computing as a mental construct rather than just a physical entity invites readers to reflect on the deeper implications of our technological interactions. This piece challenges us to reconsider the so-called 'revolutions' in computing and appreciate the consistent interplay between human cognition and technology. An excellent read for anyone interested in the philosophical and cognitive dimensions of digital innovation!
ReplyDeletedata analytics courses in dubai
Such an informative piece! The focus on local courses makes it very relevant. I’m excited to explore these data science courses in Faridabad for my learning journey. Appreciate the guidance!
ReplyDeleteWhat a thought-provoking piece on "Computing as a Mental Construct"! Your insights into the relationship between computation and our cognitive processes are truly fascinating. Keep challenging our perspectives and encouraging deeper thinking—your work is making a significant impact!
ReplyDeleteData Science Courses in Singapore
I appreciate how you tied philosophical concepts to practical computing ideas. This perspective opens up a lot of intriguing discussions. Thanks for sharing your insights
ReplyDeleteData science courses in Bhutan
Interesting blog. You did a great job.
ReplyDeleteData Science Courses in Hauz Khas
"I just learned about the Data Science Course in Dadar, and I’m impressed!
ReplyDeleteThe curriculum appears to cover all necessary aspects of data science.
I’m particularly interested in the hands-on projects and networking opportunities.
This could really help anyone looking to enter the field.
I can’t wait to find out more about enrollment!"
This article raises fascinating insights on the roots of computing as a mental construct, making the case that all technological "progress" is just an extension of the way our brains inherently operate. Data science courses in Mysore
ReplyDeleteComputing as a mental construct" views computing not merely as a technical process but as an intellectual framework that shapes our understanding and problem-solving abilities. It emphasizes how computational thinking—decomposing problems, creating algorithms, and abstracting solutions—extends beyond machines. This approach fosters creativity and structured reasoning, empowering individuals to approach complex challenges through adaptable, logical frameworks.
ReplyDeleteData science Courses in Germany
"Great to see this topic covered! As data-driven solutions become more integral to various sectors, access to data science education in Iraq is a huge step forward. If you're considering diving into this field, take a look at Data science courses in Iraq for some excellent options."
ReplyDeleteyour perspective really resonated with me.
ReplyDeleteHow Data Science Helps In The Stock Market
This blog provides a deeper understanding of how mental constructs play a critical role in shaping the future of technology.very informative blog.
ReplyDeleteData science course in Bangalore
Thank you for sharing such actionable tips. This post will definitely help me with Computing as Mental Construct. Useful article with detailed guide.
ReplyDeleteData Science Courses in China